Daily editionWednesday, December 24th, 2025
Good morning, Portland.
The Daily Portland Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 24th of December.
Community
The Press Herald Toy Fund is helping over 4,000 Maine kids this holiday season by ordering a second toy shipment + adding volunteer shifts as requests rose 20%.
Nearly $200,000 in donations have enabled every family to get help, and contributions will continue through the season.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Business
Longtime baker Emily Bachelder bought Tony's Donuts on Dec. 18 in Libbytown (the shop has been in the family since 1965) and is refreshing its look while keeping the original recipe.
It will close from Dec. 25 to Jan. 3 for a ribbon-cutting, raffle and donut-eating contest.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Culture
Local author Karen Tucci launches her new book today in Portland & the event adds a fresh festive option for holiday readers.
WGMERead more
Education
Gorham superintendent Heather Perry is one of four finalists for a national award (the first Maine superintendent to be so recognized) and will travel to Washington, D.C. on Jan. 8 for a final interview ahead of the live announcement in Nashville on Feb. 12-14.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Environment
Snow fell Tuesday night into Wednesday morning as a clipper system delivered 3 to 6 inches statewide and up to 9 inches along major interstate corridors, causing slick travel conditions; a winter storm watch and advisories were active for Cumberland County (including Portland) and surrounding areas.
WMTWRead more
Government
Drivers told the I-Team that road lines are fading quickly even though DOT says it still uses the same reflective material + repaints roads every year.
MaineDOT says stronger plow blades likely accelerate wear and is studying ways to boost line longevity despite higher costs.
WGMERead more
Lifestyle
Annemarie DiMillo, a longtime baker in Portland, began her holiday cookie tradition in October and has now filled freezers with 150 dozen treats (many donated to the St. Pius X Christmas fair) while honoring family recipes.
Her process inspires Mainers to keep cherished baking traditions alive.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Sports
Falmouth native Chris Poole (36) is raising $30 million by Jan. 31 for his America’s Cup bid, which would make his Riptide Racing the sole American challenger in the regatta’s lengthy history.
He has secured key equipment deals to boost his campaign.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Press Herald named the 2025 All-Region field hockey team for fall, choosing top players from places such as Yarmouth, Freeport, and Biddeford; the selections honor local talent that competed strongly this season.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Cheverus senior Joey Pompeo was named Varsity Maine Field Hockey Player of the Year after she led her team to a third straight Class A title.
Her dynamic play and decisive goals secured an undefeated season as she readies for Division I play at Sacred Heart University.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Officials announced the 2025 Varsity Maine All-State field hockey team featuring nine seniors.
Standout players like Cora Bolduc, with 21 goals plus Joey Pompeo, named Player of the Year, impressed this fall and will continue their sports careers at colleges including Bentley and Assumption.
Portland Press HeraldRead more
Portland Events
SAFe® 5.1 Lean Portfolio Management Training
Thursday, December 25th, 2025 · 9 AM - 1 AM — Portland, ME — Early Bird $1299, Regular $1499 — Enhance your agile skills in a hands-on workshop designed for leaders and managers in portfolio management.
Polar Express Train Ride
Friday, December 26th, 2025 · 5:15 p.m. — Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad — Ticket prices vary — Experience a magical journey to the North Pole aboard a festive train ride this holiday season.
Maine Mariners vs Trois-Rivières Lions
Saturday, December 27th, 2025 · 3:00 – 4:30 PM — Cross Insurance Arena — Watch an exciting hockey matchup featuring the Maine Mariners and Trois-Rivières Lions.
Technology Tutoring at Peaks
Tuesday, December 30th, 2025 · 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. — Peaks Island Community Center — Free entry — Enhancing digital skills for all levels of computer users in a community setting.
Throwback to the 80s New Year's Eve Party
Wednesday, December 31st, 2025 · 7-11:30 p.m. — Portland, Maine Elks Lodge #188 — $25 per person — Dance the night away with Jetport FM and enjoy a dessert bar and champagne toast at midnight.
LAST CALL Comedy Showcase
Saturday, January 10th, 2026 · 9:30 PM — Empire Comedy Club — $10 — Enjoy a fast-paced showcase featuring local and visiting stand-up comics with drink specials.
Primal Soup (Phish Tribute) Live Performance
Friday, January 16th, 2026 · 8-11:30 p.m. — Bayside Bowl — $15 adv, $25 door — Maine's premiere Phish tribute act returns for an all-ages show.
Script Club – Lend Me a Tenor
Saturday, January 17th, 2026 · 1:30-2:30 p.m. — Portland Public Library — Free entry — Engage in a lively discussion of 'Lend Me a Tenor' moderated by Portland Stage’s Literary Manager Todd Brian Backus.
Bess Jacques & The Strays Concert
Wednesday, January 21st, 2026 · 7-8:30 p.m. — Blue Portland Maine — Tickets required — Experience a fusion of jazz, Americana, and more with Bess Jacques & The Strays.
Winter Concert Series: Sigrid Sibley & Shannon Allen
Friday, January 23rd, 2026 · 7-8:30 p.m. — Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village — Ticket details not provided — Experience beautiful acoustic music in support of local cultural arts.